Alzheimer's Burden Greater in Rural Appalachia, Study Finds

A study in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease found Alzheimer's to be more common in rural Appalachian Ohio communities than in other rural areas, reports OSU News . Researchers reviewed 11 years of federal Medicare data, ending in 2017, to compare the prevalence of Alzheimer's and related ailments in Appalachian Ohio with other parts of the state. "Those who live in rural Appalachia . . . are both much more disadvantaged on the whole from a socioeconomic perspective and have a higher burden of Alzheimer's disease and related disorders compared to those who live elsewhere," explained OSU Professor Jeffrey Wing. "It's a double whammy." Rural Appalachian counties had a 2 percent to 3 percent higher prevalence of Alzheimer's versus rural non-Appalachian counties. The problem is likely worsened by entrenched barriers to care in the region, especially specialized care. "We're hopeful that this information will help illuminate potential needs in Appalachia — that could include more screenings, earlier screenings, and reallocation of medical and support resources," Wing said.